Making band saw puzzle box--which blade is best?

A 3/16”, 6.5 deg. hook angle, raker tooth blade would do the trick…..unless you need a sharper radius.Then you’d have to go to a 1/8” blade, which wouldn’t be advisable for anything thicker than 2”.

-- Gene 'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton

What size bandsaw have you got?
Also if your blade wanders, make sure you have the correct amount of tension, It really shouldn’t wander.
When doing your box, take it slow and easy.

-- Theresa, https://sites.google.com/site/tmj65treasure/

Grace,

Gene is about right on blade size and type. Furthermore, I suggest you look up this article; www.finewoodworking.com/FWNPDF/011173066.pdf. You may be required to have a online membership to view it, but they give you a 2 week trial free. If that doesn’t work, let me know and I’ll pm a copy. He’s the man on bandsaws.

At any rate, pay close attention to blade tracking, and the upper AND lower guides. What I’ve found to work well is to use shop made guide blocks (unless you have rollers) of maple and just sandwich the entire blade (essential with narrow blades) instead of fiddling to get the blocks just behind the gullet. This way it can’t twist. Works fine and does no harm.

Steve

Steve

-- Steve in KY. 44 years so far with my lovely bride. Think I'll keep her.

Steve in KY—I used your tip about the guide blocks.

Gene—Thanks for the advice about the proper type of blade. I went to my favorite hardware store. bought the blade you suggested.

TJ65—I also realized your advice to go slow was really good advice.

I left my shop this evening feeling very pleased about the results with my bandsaw. Thank you very much for your tips. I made a very passable band saw puzzle box from a practice block. Then I used a nicer piece of wood and produced a very nice puzzle box. I plan to make a few of these for little filler Christmas presents for the men in my family.